Srinagar, May 25 -- Many people who participated in previous elections chose to stay away this time, saying the elected candidates failed to deliver on their promises.

Reports quoting disgruntled voters said the politicians after winning prioritise their personal interests and those of their families over the needs of the public.

Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Zainapora in Shopian, said he has voted six or seven times in his life. "Although the candidates I voted for often won, they always failed to keep their promises. This repeated disappointment has led me to lose interest in the electoral process," he said.

Mukhtar Ahmad, a PhD scholar from Bijbehara, also expressed his disenchantment. He recounted, "I previously voted with the hope ...